Dortmund shut down Sancho rumours: No plans for Manchester United winger’s return

Sancho’s Chelsea spell failed to meet expectations

Jadon Sancho featured in 42 official matches for Chelsea during the 2024/25 season while on loan from Manchester United. The 25-year-old winger recorded 5 goals and 10 assists, showing flashes of quality but ultimately falling short of delivering consistent performances. Chelsea opted against activating the £25 million buy option and agreed to terminate the loan early by paying around £5 million, sending Sancho back to Manchester United.

Dortmund close the door on speculation

Following his return to Old Trafford, rumours resurfaced linking Sancho with a third stint at his former club Borussia Dortmund. Having played for BVB between 2017 and 2021, and briefly returned in early 2024, the idea of another move was floated in the media. However, Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl publicly dismissed the speculation:

"We do have a strong connection with Jadon, that’s true," said Kehl. "But this is not something we’re currently discussing internally. It’s not as much of a topic at the club as it is in the media."

Manchester United open to permanent exit

According to The Guardian, Manchester United are intent on moving Sancho out of the squad on a permanent basis this summer. The club no longer sees him as part of their future plans and is seeking a full transfer. His high wages and previous disciplinary issues have made a return to the first team highly unlikely. United remain open to reasonable offers from both Premier League and European clubs.

Could Gittens impact the Sancho situation?

An indirect factor in Sancho’s future is the ongoing transfer interest in Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. The young Dortmund winger has attracted attention from Chelsea, who remain keen after an initial attempt earlier in the window.

According to Sky Germany, Chelsea’s first bid—estimated at around €50 million—was rejected by Dortmund. ESPN later reported that a similar second bid was also turned down, with Dortmund now valuing the player at approximately €65 million. Despite the back-and-forth, Sancho is not currently seen as a direct replacement or part of Dortmund’s planning for that position.

Sancho’s past ties with Dortmund still resonate

Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of the 2017/18 season at the age of just 17. Over the course of four seasons in Germany, he became a fan favourite and a highly influential figure at the club. In the summer of 2021, Dortmund sold him to Manchester United for €85 million, securing a major financial boost. On social media, many Dortmund supporters continue to express strong interest in seeing Sancho return to the club.